I use pine in my cages but I do seal the bottom 1/3 of the cage I built to prevent ( reduce ) the amount of mold that can form under the wood. I am about to build a display cage for my mother ( she had to have one of my pieds I am willing to take pictures and video i anyone wants.) I am goingto put a piecce of temperd glass in the front to let people see the cage ( the cage will be 2 large at first but in a couple years it be prefect for the snake.) I do seem to have a better results when I place my snakes in larger cages to get them to eat and such.